THERE will be Father Christmases galore in town this weekend as the Loughborough Santa Fun Run 2017 takes place.

It is hoped this year’s event will attract even more residents and beat 2016’s impressive turnout of more than 1,600 Father Christmases.

The popular event, which encourages Santas to walk, run, or stroll for charity, will return to the town centre on Sunday, December 3.

More than £600,000 has been raised for local and national charities in the 12 years that the Rotary Club of Loughborough has been organising the event.

And charities that are set to benefit this year include: Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, LOROS, Dementia UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and Prostaid.

The run, which is sponsored by Loughborough Building Society and supported by Charnwood Borough Council and Love Loughborough, will also see the return of blue Santas as Leicester City Football Club and the Foxes Foundation will once again participate.

This means entrants can select the colour of their suits, which will be available in adult and child sizes, and support a charity of their choice. Adult entry is £14 and child entry (under 16) is £7.

The race is to start at 11am and those taking part will be required to gather in the town centre for the start of the race.

The running route will see the Santa herd travel to Epinal Way and back again for a Market Place finish and to collect a medal.

The day even promises a bit of festive fun for four-legged friends as there is to be a pre-event Best Dressed Christmas Dog competition taking place at 10.30am.

The competition is limited to 50 entrants and dog owners can enter their pooches by filling in a form at: santa-fun-run.co.uk/index.php/christmas-dog-competition.html

• For more on the Loughborough Santa Fun Run 2017 or to sign up, visit: santa-fun-run.co.uk